Valentine in the Vatican? Pope invites couples

VATICAN CITY - Looking for that special place to celebrate Valentine's Day this year? Pope Francis on Tuesday set a date for engaged heterosexual couples at a special general audience with him in the Vatican on February 14.

"The Joy of Yes Forever" read a Vatican note announcing the unusual initiative, which was decorated with silhouettes of a man and a woman embracing and a white cross with pink borders against a blue sky backdrop.

"Engaged couples who have already attended or are presently attending marriage preparation courses are invited to a meeting with the Holy Father," the statement said in several languages.

The Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family is organising the audience, and participants are invited to register by January 30 to get a spot.

Saint Valentine is believed to have been a priest from the third century AD who was martyred because he secretly married couples in the Christian faith.